Shockwave therapy has been around for decades. Initially developed in the 1970s to treat kidney stones, it wasn’t until the 1980s that doctors began using it on humans. Over time, medical professionals realized it could also help heal soft tissue injuries.
Today, it’s a popular non-invasive treatment for those looking to avoid surgery. When you consider that some studies suggest shockwave therapy’s effects can be long-lasting and potentially permanent.
It is encouraging that this kind of safe and affordable relief could last for a long time. But the big question remains: Does the pain stay gone, or is it only temporary?
What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate healing in injured or painful areas of your body. These are not electric or physical “shocks,” but focused sound waves that pass safely through the skin and reach deep into muscles, tendons, and joints.
Here’s what those acoustic waves do inside the body:
- Boost blood flow
- Stimulate cell activity
- Break down scar tissue and trigger points
- Trigger collagen production
Pain relief is often felt within a few sessions, depending on the severity, with some experiencing it almost instantaneously. It’s commonly used for plantar fasciitis, shoulder tendinitis, tennis elbow, hip pain, and other soft tissue injuries.
Since there are no needles, drugs, or surgeries involved, it’s a low-risk option for people who want a natural and proven way to manage pain.
Each session takes about 10 minutes, with no downtime after treatment aside from an occasional ache, which depends on the pain tolerance of the patient.
How Long Do Results Last After Shockwave Therapy?
In many cases, shockwave therapy provides long-lasting relief even years after treatment. A 4-year follow-up study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery tracked 115 patients with tendinitis of the shoulder. The patients were divided into two groups.
Patients who received two sessions of shockwave therapy reported more pain relief and better movement than those who had just one session. After six months, 87% of the two-session group said the treatment worked, while 78% said it was effective in the other.
Even more impressive, 93% of patients showed healing signs on radiographic imaging—shows clear physical proof that real changes had taken place in the tissue. Those improvements lasted for a year; most patients were still feeling better, with no major side effects reported.
To be fair, about 20% of all patients did end up needing surgery later on, but the majority found real, lasting relief without it.
These numbers support that shockwave therapy is not only for the short term. Depending on how your body responds to the treatment and the severity of your condition, it can help you heal for years.
What Affects How Long the Results Last?
Shockwave therapy is recognized for its ability to deliver long-term benefits for many individuals. However, the truth is, the effectiveness and longevity of relief after shockwave therapy are not one-size-fits-all. Here are several factors:
Number of Sessions
Multiple treatments often lead to better results. A single session can provide relief, but more sessions with higher intensity may help speed up healing by regenerating tissue and reducing pain more effectively. Typically, four or more sessions lead to more enduring benefits.
Your Health and Lifestyle
Healthy habits like good nutrition, and keeping active by strengthening core muscle groups can prevent future injuries and help the body retain shockwave therapy’s benefits for longer.
Rehabilitation and Post-Treatment Care
Engaging in therapeutic exercises, chiropractic adjustments, or other complementary treatments like posture corrections can extend the positive effects of shockwave therapy. Patients who stay committed to their recovery plans tend to see better long-term results.
Age and Recovery Speed
Younger patients and those in good health tend to heal faster, meaning longer-lasting results. Older adults or people with health conditions (like arthritis) may need extra time or additional sessions to get the same level of relief.
Final Thoughts
Shockwave therapy goes beyond temporary relief—it targets the root cause and can deliver long-lasting, even permanent, results.
Why settle for short-term fixes when lasting relief is possible? Call (720) 573-4910 today or Book your Appointment Now and Get Huge Savings on your first consultation.
Take the first step towards feeling better for good.
FAQs About Shockwave Therapy
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during treatment, which is usually well-tolerated. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to suit your comfort level, and any soreness typically fades within a day or two.
How Many Sessions of Shockwave Therapy Will I Need?
The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of your condition. Many patients see improvement after just one or two treatments, but more severe or long-term issues may require additional sessions. Most treatment plans involve 3-6 sessions spaced a week apart.
Are the Results of Shockwave Therapy Permanent?
For most patients, the effects of shockwave therapy can last for several months to years, and according to some studies, the results can be permanent. However, individual factors and regular maintenance can influence how long the effects last.